Star-studded lineup for 2013 Detroit tree lighting ceremony

"A star-studded entertainment and ice skating show will highlight the official 2013 Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony at Campus Martius Park. This year's 10th Anniversary event celebrates the original grand opening of Campus Martius Park and the kickoff of Detroit's Holiday season with a lineup that will complement the spectacular 19,000 multi colored lights on the 60 ft. Christmas Tree and the beautiful illuminated Detroit skyline. The Tree Lighting is one of Detroit's very special traditions for the whole family and the entire community," said Robert Gregory, President of the Detroit 300 Conservancy.

The Tree Lighting will include entertainment from national recording artists Peter Yarrow, from the folk music trio of Peter, Paul and Mary; Ethan Bortnick, a 12 year old singer/entertainer phenom who has headlined in Las Vegas and with an upcoming PBS concert special; Damian McGinty, Glee and Celtic Thunder star; Detroit music artists Alto Reed of the Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, L'Renee, a rising R&B singer who has toured with vocalist Kem, and Serieux, performing a classic Motown holiday mix. The Michigan Opera Theatre Children's Chorus and soloist Bradley Wisk, Michigan Philharmonic Brass Quintet and Make-A-Wish performer Brad Grasl round out the entertainment.

World Championship figure skating returns to the Rink at Campus Martius Park for the 2013 Tree Lighting Ceremony with Kimmie Meissner, a 2006 Olympian and the first female skater to simultaneously hold the World, Four Continents and national titles. The Rink and Tree Lighting have previously featured several international champions including Meryl Davis and Charlie White, Todd Eldridge, Alyssa Czisny, Jerod Swallow and Elizabeth Punsalan to name a few.

Many of the top skaters in the world train in Detroit, so the Tree Lighting Ceremony always features up and coming future stars. This year will again feature skaters from the Arctic Figure Skating Club performing holiday classics and a special 10th Anniversary number presented by the Detroit Skating Club. These skate performances, outdoors, in the heart of Downtown Detroit, are a must see event. Mobile projection screens on Cadillac Square will broadcast the show live.

PERFORMERSEthan Bortnick Twelve year old pianist, composer, singer, entertainer, and a driven humanitarian, Ethan Bortnick has toured the world dedicated to combining his musical pursuits with his charity work. An entertainment phenom, Ethan made history as the youngest entertainer to headline a show in Las Vegas and as the youngest artist to have his own national PBS concert special. Ethan will perform "Blowing In The Wind" with Peter Yarrow, will be joined by Damian McGinty, Thornetta Davis, and all of the tree lighting performers to sing anthem of peace "We Are The World", and will perform his original "Anything Is Possible".\

Damian McGinty This young Irish actor and singer, best known for his extended appearances on the hit Fox television show "Glee" has performed since the age of six, growing from a boy soprano to a deep baritone. Damian tours as a featured performer in the international hit stage show, "Celtic Thunder". Damian will perform a holiday duet and support "We Are The World" with Ethan Bortnick.

Peter Yarrow Finding fame with the 1960s folk music trio Peter, Paul and Mary, Peter Yarrow is a celebrated singer-songwriter, guitarist and record producer having performed on more than 61 albums. Known for his activism in social justice and humanitarian causes, Yarrow continues to carry his message of love and tolerance to a new generation as co-founder of Operation Respect. He makes this special appearance in Detroit to perform his classic "Blowing In The Wind" with Ethan Bortnick as a contribution to this 10th anniversary program.

Alto Reed Longtime saxophonist and co-founder of Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, Detroit-born Alto Reed is a rock music icon who tours with his band, "The Blues Entourage". A performer in the grand opening of Campus Martius Park in 2003, Alto returns to celebrate the Park's 10th anniversary event with his unique, on-ice, solo saxophone performance.'

L' Renee L'Renee is on the rise as an internationally selling R&B recording artist with a unique and beautiful, soulful sound. A Detroit native and graduate of Renaissance High School and Kentucky State University, she has toured with the vocalist KEM as both a back-up singer and duet partner.

Serieux Splitting their time between Detroit and Las Vegas, this outstanding group of vocalists and musicians recreate the traditional style and sound of classic soul groups from the Temptations to the Four Tops. Serieux will perform their uptempo holiday mix accented by "First On Ice" skaters.

Michigan Philharmonic Brass Quintet Performing in its 68th season, the Michigan Philharmonic has achieved five ASCAP awards. Orchestra conductor, Nan Harrison Washburn, is the first place winner of the 2013 American Prize in Orchestral Conducting, professional division. The orchestra will be represented in this program with a brass quintet.

Michigan Opera Theatre, soloist Bradley Wisk A classically trained American tenor, Bradley Wisk completed undergraduate studies at Indiana University and earned a Master's degree at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. Wisk has performed in venues across the naton and made his local debut at the Detroit Opera Theatre in April 2013. Mr. Wisk will perform "O Holy Night" with piano accompaniment.

Michigan Opera Theatre Children's Chorus The Michigan Opera Theatre Children's Chorus is a groundbreaking choral ensemble and first of its kind for Metro Detroit children. Celebrating its 6th year, the MOTCC has charmed audiences, embracing diverse cultures and traditions in an extensive range of genres from folk songs to opera. Take a ride along with the MOTCC in a wintery wonderland of snow! The 50-member chorus will perform "Sleigh Ride" and "Carol of the Bells" for the Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Make-A-Wish Performer, Brad Grasl The Tree Lighting Ceremony presents a great opportunity to provide a platform for one special young person. Brad Grasl was granted his wish 5 years ago when he was 17. He wished to meet Yehuda Gilad a well-known clarinetist and USC professor. Now 22, Brad has graduated from USC with a bachelor's degree in classical performance. He will perform on clarinet with piano accompaniment.

SKATING PERFORMANCES

Kimmie Meissner Kimmie Meissner is a world champion figure skater and 2006 Olympian. The first female figure skater to simultaneously hold the World, Four Continents and national titles, Kimmie was the youngest American athlete to compete at the 2006 Olympic games. Now residing in her home state of Maryland, Meissner will perform as the featured skater for the Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Detroit Skating Club Located in Bloomfield Hills, the Detroit Skating Club trains skaters from eight different countries. Home to numerous skating champions, DSC will be present three skating programs including a special ensemble performance celebrating the 10th anniversary of Campus Martius Park and tonight's Tree Lighting Ceremony, choreographed by DSC National Coach Rachel Bauld Lee. Canadian champion skater, Elladj Balde, will be featured in a solo performance.

Arctic Figure Skating Club The Arctic Figure Skating Club trains at the world-class Arctic Edge Ice Arena in Canton, MI. It is home to the world's top ice dancing teams as well as champions at all levels, ages and disciplines of figure skating. AFSC will present 39 of their finest competitive skaters performing to a medley of holiday favorites including Detroit's own Karen Newman's "Christmas Eve on Woodward Avenue". The program is choreographed by Tammy Liptak and Erin Stickle.

Copyright 2013 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Comments

The views expressed below are not those of Click On Detroit, WDIV, or its affiliated companies. By clicking on "Post," you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Service and your comment is in compliance with such terms. Readers, please help keep this discussion respectful and on topic by flagging comments that are offensive or inappropriate (hover over the commenter's name and you'll see the flag option appear on right side of that line). And remember, respect goes both ways: Tolerance of others' opinions is important in a free discourse. If you're easily offended by strong opinions, you might skip reading comments entirely.